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Originally Posted by lasitter
Very interesting. Then what is your theory as to why bicycle tires are as thin as possible / highest possible pressure? Other things being equal, why not have all tires as thick as mountain bike tires?
Is your theory all about thin tires being more aerodynamic?
Tire Fuel Efficiency Consumer Information Program
I don't think we'll have straightforward answers to these questions until disclosure is forced by the final implementation of these rules ... |
Thanks for that link. On your question. There is a thread here with some great testing "taller tire test." Take a look. Narrower is better for aero and contact area, but it offers less traction, which might be significant for your needs. Taller is better for gearing, but it distributes weight differently, most especially further from the hub, increasing rotation mass effects. A taller tire if it is heavier will also have a negative effect on FE if you do a lot of stop/start driving (again, rotational mass). But in cruising of a freeway that weight will matter less.
The take away: taller, lighter, narrower, and LRR is better, though you will never get exactly that combination (most likely) so judge your choices against your driving conditions. There is no absolute rule, as we often find...